Boating Activity

Federal boating regulations apply to all vessels plying around the waters of the United States. Both commercial and recreational vessels need to comply with the rules and regulations set by the United States Inland Laws, the Coast Guard and the states where these boats are registered.

Different boating regulations apply to recreational boats of different sizes. For regulation purposes, recreational boats are classified under four categories namely; (a) under 16 feet, (b) 16 feet to under 26 feet, (c) 26 feet to under 40 feet, and (d) 40 feet to under 65 feet.

The Coast Guard has stringent safety rules and standards that all boat owners must follow. These rules include the carrying of government approved visual distress signal and floatation devices on board especially when the vessel is at sea. Aside from carrying distress signal devices, all boats must have one type V Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and one of type of Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. Kids should also be provided with appropriate life saving devices and lifejackets.

All boats are required to have navigations and sound producing warning devices. Smaller crafts may use horns and whistles to as navigation warning equipment. On the other hand, larger vessels that are more than 39.4 feet are required by the Coast Guard to have stronger sound signaling devices that can be heard for about ½ mile. When it comes to ventilation, gasoline powered boats that have enclosed fuel tank must comply with government approved ventilation standards. Boats that were built after April 25, 1940 to have natural ventilation and backfire flame arrestor. Boats that were built after July 31, 1980 on the other hand are required to have exhaust blowers. To fight off fire on board, all boats are required to have at least one Marine Type USCG B-I or three B-I fire extinguishers on board.

Aside from complying with Coast Guard boat regulations, boat owners must also follow local state laws. Boat owners are also required to keep a copy of their certificate of State Registration or certificate of number on board especially when the vessel is in transit. Failure to keep a certificate of state registration or certificate of number on board can lead to legal sanctions including suspension of registration and payment of penalties.

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